The first surprise you get is when you arrive: There is no driveway. You must park on top at the road and haul your baggage down a hundred-foot path to the cabin below. Lugging your luggage is expedited by a primitive handcart. The bedrooms are tiny and are in a modern addition to the rustic cabin. There is not much room for clothes. And rustic is just the word. A galley kitchen (no dishwasher or disposal. Water heater shares space with the older refrigerator) is the main entrance. No air conditioning, but most nights are cool. No washer, no dryer. You are requested not to use the fireplace. We were greeted by an array of spiders, flies, and mosquitos and were surprised and shocked at the two slugs we found underfoot in the bathroom. They appear every time it rains, and sometimes when it doesn’t. The living room has no couch, just a malodorous lumpy futon, a wicker loveseat and two rockers. The shower tub is ancient and primitive. It is not all bad. The view out the living room window is lovely, facing an inlet that is scenic at high tide but turns to swamp at low tide. The cabin is well provided. TV has cable, there is internet, and a DVD player that is attached to nothing. The plumbing is aging but everything works. Kitchen is well supplied with utensils and cooking tools. It is about a 30-minute drive to the main part of Mt Desert Island, and about 40 minutes to full grocery stores in Ellsworth. The cabin is close to the small town of Southwest Harbor. There is a rather good grocery store just up the road, and the swimming at Echo Lake, 3 miles away, is fine. Our advice, if you choose to rent here, is to bring your own armoire and lots of bug spray.

We enjoyed a spectacular week in the Coveside Cabin. This is my second visit and as of day one this time my kids were asking to come back next year. If you require fancy on a vacation or a house full of big kid games this might not be the place for you. That being said, if you are looking for somewhere to fully check out and unwind, this property delivers. Being on the quiet side of the island it offers one the opportunity to not be in the middle of the hustle and bustle of summertime Bar Harbor, but everything is still very accessible. I shed a tear or two when I left as I just did not want to leave. I felt so relaxed at the cabin and was able to really focus on my family and make lifelong memories. My youngest made a post on instagram and called it "the best vacation ever" and indeed it was.

Others have used the word “rustic” to describe this cabin, and I think that is apt. My husband and I had an incredible week staying in this location. I didn’t know anything about the area or Acadia when I booked, I just knew I wanted to be on the water. It got to 87* one day on our trip, but it was still fairly cool outside of the cabin due to its shade and the creek. I spent many hours on the back deck reading. It is about a 20 minute drive to the park on the NE Harbor side, and my husband and I enjoyed getting there early or in the evening to avoid the crowds which made the cabin’s location a delightful place to spend the warmer hours. There is a wonderful laundromat down the street that will do your laundry for you which was a wonderful addition to the week. We used the fire place in the evenings when it was cooler, and it was wonderful. It’s a beautiful location and an incredible spot. if you don’t like crowds(Bar Harbor was a zoo!:), want to be on the water, have a small party, and don’t mind driving to the park, this is a great spot.

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at this lovely cabin. It offers everything you can ask for - convenience, quietness, serenity... We will definitely return in the future!

We cannot say enough about how special this cabin and surrounding property are. The cabin is cozy, well equipped, rustic yet so charming. The pictures do not do it justice. The master bedroom view is heaven to wake up to and the children’s bedroom is whimsical with its decor and stream right outside the big window right next to the bed. The magical stream cascades and pools down to the salty tidal cove. Little waterfalls and even a cool fort & bridge which our 6 year old loved. Coffee on the rockers outside was a highlight of each day. Saw a bald eagle. Flying Mountain trailhead is a short walk up the road- a perfect morning hike ending at Valley Cove, just lovely. Acadia sights all close by. We loved take-out lunch at Peekytoes in Bar Harbor and eating it in the park overlooking the harbor. IGA right near cabin isn’t great. We stocked up at Hannnahfords in BH. Common Good (SW Harbor) for popovers is a must! It was a truly wonderful family vacation and we hope to be back one day.

If you do not need hotel amenities and crowds this may be a place for you. Log cabin with two separate bedrooms beautifully located at the edge of the cove on a quite forested lot. Walking distance to ocean beach (rocky beach on one of the back bays) and Acadia Mountain trials. Close to Echo Lake beach. 30 mins drive to Bar Harbor and main part of Acadia NP, 10 mins drive to Bass Harbor and its famed Head Lighthouse. Cabin has WiFi and internet TV, no washer/drier or dishwasher. Fully functional kitchen and single bath. Beautiful places to sit and eat outdoor. In summary, it is not hotel but we had great time.

It’s such a pleasure to stay in this beautiful cabin. Truly a special place.

The owners of this property have taken special care with it. You open the door and you are home. Everything you need (bring food and bev) is there. We have never been so completely supplied in a home rental. And then there is the property itself. Surrounded by pines on 3 sides, and a tidal bay on the forth. The 2 room cabin sits well off the road, down a pine needle cushioned walk. This property is on the quiet side of MDI. If you want to experience the most quiet of the quiet side, this cabin is for you. We loved every minute of our stay.

Our third time here, a real gem and a treasure.

We enjoyed our stay in this cute cottage. It was perfect for the three of us. Our 6 year old enjoyed exploring the property, we played in the brook, and saw some wildlife. The weather wasn't great, so we built a few fires. We really enjoyed the location - far from maddening crowds and accessible to local hikes (we hiked daily). Would love to return next year!

Our family vacationed at this cabin in July 2018. The cabin is rustic but with all the conveniences needed for our vacation. The view out of the back of the house is breathtaking. Our daughter really enjoyed the large bay window. The cabin was located in a quiet area and Acadia National park was easily accessible. ~The Monroe Family from Virginia

Really lovely cottage. Cozy on foggy days and close to everything else when the sun came out. Amenities exceeded our expectations. Would love to come back.

We thoroughly enjoyed our week in this charming cabin in the woods. The cabin was nicely appointed, and we were truly able to relax and enjoy the beautiful setting. Although we felt very secluded, we could easily get to town and had easy access to roads, etc... A real gem-- thanks!

A wonderful place! Great location, beautiful views, rustic log cabin with all the conveniences. We will be back!

This is a real, old, log cabin with a newer sleeping addition and plumbing, electric and heat. It is in the woods, on the water, on a cove in Somes Sound, very, very quiet, very private. Really beautiful! If signs of mice or musty smells freak you out, this isn't your place; it's a log cabin and is somewhat permeable to the outdoors. The toilet, shower, heat, fridge, stove all work. There's a huge stone fireplace. Beds OK. If you are used to camping, you will think this is the Ritz. If you are used to the Ritz, you will think you are camping. We had a wonderful time!

My adult daughters and I thoroughly enjoyed staying in your charming log cabin the week of July 4-11. The very private woodsy setting with the endearing stream flowing magically beside the cabin captured our hearts. The quietude of our cabin was daily salve for releasing worldly concerns of busy lives beyond. Furnishings were warm and welcoming, with a notebook provided to give a newcomer helpful suggestions on both activities and culinary choices around Mt. Desert Island. Although we chose to enjoy leisurely eating out, adequate tools and provisions were handy cooking at the cabin. We loved staying on the "Quiet side" of Mt. Desert Island with easy access to Acadia National Park, Northeast Harbor and Bar Harbor during the day and returning to our peaceful haven at night. It was just a short jaunt into Southwest Harbor, which has some great restaurant choices. Our Babbling Brook Cove Cabin was our cozy home away from home as we hiked, immersed ourselves in photography, toured and ate our way through Southwest Harbor and other recommended locations. We can't wait to come back.

This cozy cabin is convenient to both Acadia National Park and Southwest Harbor. The cabin oozes with charm and features a beautiful wooded location on a secluded cove. The owners are non-intrusive but very friendly and helpful. We were 100% satisfied. A great find!

This cabin was amazing and perfect for our family of 3. The view, the shoreline, the babbling brook, the seclusion, the creek, the "rustic cabin..where do I begin?We absolutely loved it! We felt like we were back at summer camp only in a nice log cabin with running water, hot water, electricity, comfortable beds. The bedrooms are on the creekside of the house attached to the log cabin side by a breezeway. That made it nice for those that want to sleep in to not be disturbed by the early riser. I hope we can come back again.